AbbVie and MLB Strike Out Cancer with League-Wide Partnership
AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical leader, has announced a multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), officially naming AbbVie the Official Pharmaceutical Partner of MLB beginning with the 2026 season.1 This collaboration expands the “Striking Out Cancer” initiative, which initially launched in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, to a league-wide effort.
Striking Out Cancer: A National Initiative
The “Striking Out Cancer” campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and support. Throughout the 2026 MLB season, AbbVie will donate $20 for every strikeout recorded, up to a maximum donation of $1 million.1, 2 This contribution is symbolically linked to the fact that approximately 20% of the global population will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory.1, 2
Supporting Stand Up To Cancer
The funds raised through the “Striking Out Cancer” initiative will benefit Stand Up To Cancer, an organization dedicated to accelerating impactful cancer research.1, 4 AbbVie’s partnership with MLB exemplifies the potential of sports-driven advocacy in raising awareness and driving progress in the fight against cancer.4
Integrated Campaign Across MLB Platforms
The “Striking Out Cancer” campaign will be integrated across all MLB platforms, including MLB Network and MLB digital and social channels.2 The initiative will also be highlighted during key MLB events, such as the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, MLB at Field of Dreams, and the MLB Wild Card Series, which will be presented by AbbVie beginning with the 2026 Postseason.2 Additional donation enhancements will be included around perfect games or no-hitters.1
A Unifying Force in the Fight Against Cancer
With an average of 40,000 strikeouts recorded across MLB each season, the partnership provides numerous opportunities to support cancer awareness, advocacy, and research.1, 2 Both AbbVie and MLB express their commitment to uniting under a shared mission to produce a real difference for patients, families, and communities affected by cancer.1, 4
“Cancer impacts millions of families, and partnerships like this allow us to meet people where they are and spark meaningful conversations around awareness and action,” said Tracie Haas, senior vice president, corporate affairs, AbbVie.1
“We’re proud to partner with AbbVie and expand this vital initiative across the league,” said April Brown, MLB senior vice president, social responsibility. “The partnership with AbbVie exemplifies the transformative potential of sports-driven advocacy.”1
“We are tremendously grateful to AbbVie for selecting Stand Up To Cancer as the beneficiary of Striking Out Cancer,” said Rusty Robertson, co-founder, Stand Up To Cancer. “Collaborations like these help accelerate our mission to raise awareness and to bring new cancer treatments to patients.”1
The “Striking Out Cancer” initiative officially launches on March 25th, coinciding with Opening Day presented by Adobe.1 More information can be found at www.abbvie.com/MLB.
- AbbVie Named Official Pharmaceutical Partner of Major League Baseball
- Major League Baseball | AbbVie
- AbbVie Expands ‘Striking Out Cancer’ Initiative With Major League Baseball
- MLB, AbbVie look to strike out cancer with hybrid sponsorship
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